Explore the best rated trails in Cumberland, MD, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Shuster Way Heritage Trail and Allegheny Highlands Trail . With more than 22 trails covering 4254 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Rode from Hendricks to Elkins and back mid-June on a saturday. Somewhat disappointed and would not do this trail again. Construction zone for corridor H is a mess with tough gravel and no signage. An average rider on a hybrid might find this section very unpleasant. The paved section from Hendricks to Parsons has enough little ridges from roots that it's annoying. Otherwise, the scenery is just not that great, you ride close so highways, and sections of the trail are not maintained as other rail trails are. This one seems to be a rustic trail compared to others so maybe that's the way it is intended.
I just finished a two-day solo tour (Cumberland to Williamsport, Williamsport to DC) and had an incredible experience despite the rain and the tough going over a few stretches. I hear a lot of criticism about the C & O, particularly when compared to the GAP (which I have also done). I appreciate the contrast and hope that the C&O retains its historic character as a more rugged towpath (not a rail trail). That said, the conditions on the east side of Paw Paw and from White’s Ferry to DC were challenging (again, I like the changing surfaces). Highlights: wilderness character, Paw Paw Tunnel, sycamores between Harper’s Ferry and Antietam, Great Falls, Monocacy, Point of Rocks station and the towns.
We rode from Elkins out about 10 miles north towards Montrose and returned. The trail is in great condition. It was such a lovely day we regretted that we had not planned to ride further. Lovely farmland and plenty of shade. Good summer riding.
PA-Cumberland 5/2023. Loved this trail with lots of places to camp, a winding and entertaining trail, views of the river, tunnels, small towns along the way. I particularly liked Frostburg and camped two nights. The switchbacks up to town aren't as miserable as some describe and the view is rewarding. The Toasted Goat in Hotel Gunter is an old hotel worth a walk around and a meal. Check out the basement holding cell and speakeasy.
I rode this for a second time recently. The trail is in great shape. I will they would add the path through the tunnel. Extending the trail over the three bridges would make this the best in the area. Not sure if that is a plan. Hancock is a great town. Very remote in little orleans
This is my favorite paved trail. All the bumps and roots are gone since the repaving project was completed in fall 2024. Hancock is the town at about the middle mileage. The western end is quiet through the woods. There are very few road crossings and it's pretty flat grade. Berkeley Springs WV is only 6 miles south of Hancock MD and that's a cute tourist town to visit. There's also a good bike store in Hancock.
Ok section, kind of dull. Agriculture & cows. Found a bit of shade by a grain elevator for lunch. Several washouts filled with tumbleweeds as you get closer to Lind.
We rode the trail the week of Christmas (no snow). You CAN go all the way from Elkins, thru the construction, all the way to Hendricks. You can also ride the “proposed future trail” all the way to Thomas… and it’s beautiful in there! We were on gravel bikes and had zero issues. A mountain bike would work but not a road bike. Enjoy the entire trail if you have the fitness for it- it’s beautiful!
It's a nice walking trail, or if you're taking it to get to the MTB trails. But, if you have a road bike you should just take the road. It's a shame they couldn't have used crushed gravel so roadies could bypass the section of road past the Elks. As it is, it's worthless for road bikes.
I rode this trail a week ago as part of a loop on the Indian Creek Valley Trail. The trail is easy to find and was relatively easy to ride on a gravel bike with 700 x 38 tires. There is a trail that splits off halfway but just stay straight and you'll be fine. There's really no issues with riding this unless you're trying to ride it on a skinny tire road bike. I enjoyed the trail.
I rode this trail on November 1st, a sunny but windy fall day. The leaves were off the trees mostly but were a beautiful carpet of color on the ground. I have ridden here before but never this late in the year and not for a few years. I started in the town of Indian Head as I always do. I first headed south and right away you do have to take a quick jog west on Indian Head Rd but the trail is easy to find. This section was in great shape and the tread was excellent. I rode south to the gate and seeing that people were continuing south on the unfinished section I rode on about .3 miles but there were some mud holes and the tires on my gravel bike weren't up to that task. Next time I'll bring the mountain bike and go further.
I went back to Indian Head and headed north. This was an extremely pleasant trail with what I can honestly say is the smoothest path (outside of pavement) I've ever ridden. It's actually smoother than some pavement. I flew along with only a few people on the trail until the town of Champion. Here you have to ride back Roaring Run Rd a short distance to regain the trail. From here on the trail, while still full width is only single track. For the most part though this single track is very smooth and quite rideable. At Jones Mills the trail ends in a short but steep climb up to Rt 31. As others have noted, there is no parking here.
I continued this ride by carefully crossing Rt 31 and riding down Rt 381 a short distance to the Blair Brothers Trail. This is a fairly easy 1.5 mile ride through the woods to a dirt road before turning around.
All-in-all, this is a great trail and likely to be much less crowded than the GAP. There is a diner in Indian Head (the Creekside Diner) if you need something to eat. I did not check it out though. Go and enjoy the trail.
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